Celebrating certified nurses

By: Dr. Sammie Mosier, RN, DHA, MA, BSN, NE-BC, CMSRN, BC, Vice President and Assistant Chief Nurse Executive and Ann Hatcher, MBA, Vice President Human Resources – Nursing Services

Happy Certified Nurses Day! Today, we celebrate HCA Healthcare affiliate nurses who have gone a step further to achieve specialty certifications and enhance their professional practices.

The choice to become a nurse is one rooted in purpose and tradition. Oftentimes referred to as one of the most trusted professions, nursing is centered on providing compassionate care.

In 2016, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) reported that nurses held more than 800,000 certifications in the U.S. and Canada. In 2017, more than 1,100 HCA Healthcare-affiliated nurses expanded their professional knowledge and advanced their individual and professional skills to earn certification.

“Achieving certification demonstrates to patients, employers and the public that a nurse’s knowledge, skills and abilities meet rigorous national standards and reflect a deep commitment to patient safety,” says HCA Healthcare’s Assistant Vice President of Nursing Practice Kim Reddish.

Devon Moore, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at affiliate Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, says, “I became a nurse because I wanted to know that my work mattered. My job is not just something I clock in and out of – it’s answering a calling.”

Obtaining a specialty nursing certification is a challenging and rewarding experience.

We spoke with three registered nurses. All three nurses obtained national specialty certifications. We asked them how obtaining their specialty certification helped them in their nursing careers.

Jessica Corkill, a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) nurse from Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, answered, “It validates the body of knowledge in which I have acquired in my specialty.”

Stephanie Jordan, a charge nurse from affiliate Corpus Christi Medical Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, explained, “Obtaining that certification was more difficult than [taking the] state boards in my opinion. It has helped me learn the different aspects of med-surg, including taking care of the patient, case management, and quality improvement. Knowing these things helps me take care of the patient, which is the bottom line.”

Raul Rodriguez, a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse from affiliate Metropolitan Stone Oak Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, answered, “I chose to acquire my Critical Care Registered Nurse certification because it was offered to me free by my facility, and it allowed me to show all the hard work I put into my job.”

According to the AACN, benefits of obtaining a nursing certification include:

• demonstration that the nurse cares enough to be tested against rigorous standards, confirming their knowledge and skills in a specialty area;
• creating an environment of professionalism, contributing to staff retention and patient safety;
• serving as a role model for professional development, lifelong learning and dedication to excellence in patient care, and
• a sense of pride, fulfillment, and empowerment, as well as career advancement. (Research shows nurse leaders prefer hiring a nurse who is certified.)

HCA Healthcare, in partnership with national accrediting bodies, offers qualifying nurses the opportunity to take advantage of a discounted rate and voucher program when pursuing a specialty certification.

Congratulations to the certified nurses who have worked so diligently to achieve success and advance nursing practice in healthcare settings across the country!

Visit here for more information about nursing careers at HCA Healthcare. 

More information about the benefits and standards of national specialty nursing certifications include:

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses – Certification

Seven reasons why oncology nurses should get certified

The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications

Nursing Certification Boards by Specialty

Dr. Sammie Mosier

Ann Hatcher

HCA Healthcare 50th Anniversary
In 1968, HCA Healthcare was conceived by two physicians and an accomplished business leader — Dr. Thomas Frist Sr., Dr. Thomas Frist Jr., and Jack Massey. This year, HCA Healthcare celebrates its golden anniversary and the culture of caring established by our three founders 50 years ago. To help us celebrate our 50th year, we’ll share stories here that reflect HCA Healthcare’s mission – above all else, the care and improvement of human life – and our pledge to improve life and make history for the next 50 years and beyond.